Vicki Rae Thorne is Named a Finalist for the Women in the Pet Industry Woman of the Year Award

Dundee, IL, August 14, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Vicki Rae Thorne, founder of Earth Heart Inc., Dundee, Illinois, has been named a finalist in the Women in the Pet Industry Woman of the Year Award competition. Thorne was nominated in the Solopreneur category. She and 24 others will now move on to compete within the categories and finally, for the Woman of the Year Award.

Award categories include Solopreneur, Entrepreneur, Corporation, Advocate, and Rising Star. Five finalists were named in each category, and one overall Pet Industry Woman of the Year will be chosen from the 25 finalists. A panel of four independent judges reviewed and scored nominations for more than 60 applicants in the five categories. The judges included a broadcaster, a publisher, a CEO and a former business school owner.

Thorne will sit on a panel of experts who will participate in a roundtable discussion on Saturday of the WIPIN conference, which runs August 23 through 25 at the Red Lion on the River in Portland, Oregon. She will also be recognized during the Woman of the Year Award ceremony held the evening of August 24 in conjunction with the conference.

“The Women in the Pet Industry Women of the Year Awards were designed to recognize the amazing females who dedicate their time and talents to improving the lives of all pets – dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses and exotics – and their pet parents,” said Shawna Schuh, president of WIPIN. “The Awards are a celebration of women who have devoted their lives to the pet industry and shine as beacons of women helping women and pets with passion. Thorne is a perfect example!”

Thorne shared, “For 21 years, I’ve created products that are safe, effective, easy to use and affordable. Our formulations are based on proven aromatherapy methods that bring natural alternatives to the pet industry.”

“I work primarily with women business owners who are excited to expand their knowledge about new methods for solving pet health problems,” Thorne continued. “I find the community of women in the pet industry to be cohesive and supportive, and to be named a finalist in this competition is truly an honor.”

Thorne is a certified aromatherapist and master herbalist. She founded Earth Heart in 1992 to help others learn how to use herbs and essential oils safely and effectively as part of everyday life.

In 1999, a kennel owner asked Thorne to help calm boarded pets that experienced separation issues, including anxiety, anger, agitation and depression. These behaviors became more pronounced at feeding time and during the intake of new boarders. Proven clinical research using essential oils with dogs and horses, and her experience in creating personal wellness and massage products, allowed Thorne to create a blend for diffusion in the kennel that worked from day one, and is still used successfully today!

Over time, requests for the canine line of products increased, and nearly 4 years ago, Thorne seized an opportunity to nationally market her line of natural remedy mists for canine families. Distribution has grown from 40 local stores to nearly 300 independent pet product retailers, trainers, veterinarians, groomers, and kennel owners across the United States as well as in Canada and Australia.

Earth Heart has built a reputation for providing high quality products using pure essential oils and other plant-based ingredients. The products are made in the USA and packaged in BPA-free recyclable containers. They offer customers affordable, safe and effective solutions to help families and their dogs live happier, healthier lives. As part of their Nonprofit Partner Program, Earth Heart has sponsored several charity and educational events, including donations of products for raffle or silent auction, and discount pricing to help rescue and shelter dogs in need. The Earth Heart products have been given special recognition, including reviews and awards, by top trade and consumer magazines, noted dog blog sites and radio programs.

The full line of Earth Heart products, including Canine Calm, Travel Calm, Guard Well and Buzz Guard, are also available for purchase through online and retail stores throughout the US and Canada, via the Earth Heart website at www.earthheartinc.com and by calling 847-551-1806.

About Women in the Pet Industry Network (WIPIN)
Established in 2010, then acquired in 2012 by Shawna Schuh, the current President and Chief Pet Wrangler, WIPIN is headquartered near Portland, Ore., and serves a worldwide membership base of women in the pet industry. WIPIN helps entrepreneurial women grow their pet-focused businesses through unique networking opportunities, valuable business growth meetings and online resources. The Start of Something Big! Conference & Awards Show in August 2013 will bring women together to connect, network, and learn how to grow their pet-focused businesses. WIPIN is affiliated with Black Dog Education, Animal Wellness Magazine and PetIndustryTV.com. With 275 members, and growing daily, WIPIN is the premier networking organization for women in the pet industry, offering its members the opportunity to connect, share and learn from other likeminded professionals. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a member at www.womeninthepetindustry.com/join/. For more information, please visit www.womeninthepetindustry.com, or contact Schuh at 503-970-5774, 877-474-2962 or shawna@womeninthepetindustry.com.